By Pesi Fonua

King George Tupou V wished the 'Ikale Tahi an enjoyable evening in the first of their RWC encounters when he received them at Atalanga in Auckland today.

After the team were introduced to to His Majesty by 'Aminiasi Kefu, the king spoke to the team. He warned them that there are more encounters to come after tonights world cup opening match and hopefully there would be no serious injuries.

It was a very brief meeting with the king before the 'Ikale Tahi went outside for group photos. It was a beautiful morning and Auckland is on a high leading in for the opening game in the World Cup when the All Blacks meet Tonga.

There will be two marches by Tongans to Eden Park this evening, with one group gathering at Sandringham, and another group to start marching from the bottom of Queen Street to a gathering at K Road, before marching to Eden Park.

The footprints painted on the footpath show the direction for marchers from Queen St to Eden Park.